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Transitional Spaces
Nature and building possess an interesting quality and similarity that is- both can instill happiness and fear. However, together they can create not only beautiful spaces and experiences but a responsible relationship between architecture and the environment. Architecture is commonly discussed in terms of individual buildingsthe enclosures in our lives which we consider to define "inside." Architectural elements usually demarcate these spaces, but most of the times, typically deal separately with either the interior space created within a building or the exterior space created by a building and its surroundings. Why? Throughout history, the search for the garden, landscape, that we as a society idealize, consistently presents us with a contradictory reality. At one hand, nature lacks the most basic of human needs: shelter. On the other hand, the disregard of society for how a city must be formed in harmony with the natural environment has proved to be an agent of poverty, overcrowding, and revolting pollution. It is therefore understood that we humans, have disturbed this balance through our activities and transitional space helps to ease architecture's interaction with the natural environment, creating a relationship rather than a conflict. Transitional space has the unique quality as an architectural system of relying on nature without damaging nature. This point is what makes transitional space so intriguing and offers the potential for extraordinary architectural space

What? Certain spaces in architecture cannot be qualified as interior or exterior and exist without a precise or specific utility. They are often called intermediate or transitional spaces and are an important element in many architectural types worldwide. Transitional space bridges the gap between solely interior and solely exterior. These spaces, take people from "outside" and through the overlap of nature and building, transfer individuals to a destination defined as "inside."

How? Thus Studying how transitional spaces: Regulate the thermal qualities, Create opportunities for illumination, Increase the regional relevancy of a building without harming nature but by working in harmony with it Can be created to meet this need, Considering past examples of successful transitional space, Can be applied specifically to meet the mankinds desire, would be the sole purpose of my dissertation.

Solar Energy in Buildings

In recent times, the world has fortunately become aware of the significant potential of solar energy as a replacement for nonrenewable fossil fuel energy. The sun is a clean, unlimited and almost infinite energy source, providing each hour on earth as much energy as the whole world needs in a year.

Why? A big chunk of energy produced is used up in running the buildings all over the world. Large quantities of non-renewable fossil fuel are used to generate this energy, fuel that will not be available to future generations. The processes involved in the conversion of fuel into energy also have a lasting negative effect on the environment through the emissions they cause. In addition to this, intensive cultivation, a destructive exploitation of raw materials, and a worldwide reduction in the areas of land devoted to agriculture are leading to a progressive decline in natural habitats. This situation arouses questions on our thinking; particularly on the part of architects. The role of architecture as a responsible profession is of far-reaching significance in this respect. The form of our future built environment must be based on a responsible approach to nature and the use of the inexhaustible energy potential of the sun.

What? Solar Energy is the clean renewable energy which is, and can be, put to use worldwide as a replacement to the present practices of providing energy for the buildings. This includes various technologies viz; active solar technologies, passive solar technologies, and photovoltaic technology. Nanotechnology is also engaged into developing newer and cheaper elements to form the solar cells which are more efficient and cost-effective.

How? The aim of my work in this dissertation, shall therefore, be to study Design of buildings and urban spaces to conserve natural resources; Use of renewable forms of energy - especially solar energy - as extensively as possible; Proven technologies those are able to transform its radiation into heat, electricity and even cold, and are available at affordable prices; Energy supply systems, funding and distribution models, standards, statutory regulations and laws in accordance with the new objectives.

Mass Rapid Transit System (Metro Terminal cum commercial complex)

Why? With the widespread increment in populations in major cities (metropolitan) need of MRTS systems is the need of the hour. The major population migrates to bigger cities for better amenities, opportunities, career, and facilities, most of which are the working population. Thus increasing all the major problems a city goes through. Root cause of it being over-crowded. With the rapid development and expansion of major cities, the installation and functioning of effective MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) is the need of the hour. In India most cities still lack proper roadways for handling the immense traffic. Thus the use of rail transit system proves to be affective in decreasing the road traffic. And after the successful installation and appreciable functioning of Metro in Delhi, other major cities such as Bangalore and Chennai are lined up with the plans for creating a similar affective MRTS system.

What?

Rapid Transit is a type of high-capacity public transport generally found in urban areas. Unlike buses and trams, rapid transit systems operate on an exclusive right-of-way which is usually grade separated in tunnels or elevated railways. Modern services on rapid transit systems are provided on designated lines between stations typically using electric multiple units on rail tracks, although some systems use guided rubber-tires, magnetic levitation, or monorail. The stations typically have high platforms, without steps inside the trains, requiring custom-made trains in order to avoid gaps. They are typically integrated with other public transport and often operated by the same public transport authorities, but does not exclude a fully segregated light rail transit. Metro is the most common term for underground rapid transit systems. Rapid transit systems may be named after the medium through which their busier inner-city sections travel; the use of tunnels inspires names such as subway, underground, Untergrundbahn (U-Bahn) in German, or Tunnelbana (T-bana) in Swedish; the use of viaducts inspires names such as elevated(el or L), sky train, overhead, or over ground. One of these terms may apply to an entire system, even if a large part of the network (for example, in outer suburbs) runs at ground level.

How? Station design depends greatly upon an interaction with train technology decisions, especially with regard to the point of interface between the vehicles and the stations. Decisions on the number of boarding doors and the width of the doorways must reflect both passenger flow requirements and the availability of options from train manufacturers. Thus, aim of the study would be to analyze present structures in this category and to characterize various factors responsible for effective Metro station design, and to study the incorporation of modern technologies to achieve sustainability.